The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles announced on March 8 that it has launched its revamped grants program focused on seeding and growing local innovative initiatives. The foundation will hold a webinar on April 26 that is mandatory for nonprofits seeking funding in this year’s cycle. Applications will be due in early June.

The Cutting Edge Grants 2.0 program builds upon a previous initiative which has awarded $21 million in funding to support more than 100 innovative Jewish causes and programs across Los Angeles since 2006. Under the reimagined program, applicants can apply for multi-year grants of up to $300,000. Eligibility information is available by visiting jewishfoundationla.org/cutting-edge-grants.

According to Naomi Strongin, vice president of the foundation’s Center for Designed Philanthropy, support is needed for programs addressing mental health and wellness, combatting antisemitism, assisting vulnerable populations, reaching diverse audiences and developing micro-communities that include Jews of color, the LGBTQ+ community, interfaith families and individuals with disabilities.

“While grants will not be limited to these areas, we encourage applications that meet these needs,” Strongin said. “These challenging times demand new approaches. Cutting Edge Grants 2.0 is a response to a new normal, while continuing to encourage the innovation and transformation that are hallmarks of this initiative. Our research revealed that nonprofits remain uncertain about how the pandemic will impact their ability to raise funds and implement programs in the future. Despite these effects, we are encouraged that Jewish organizations locally and across the nation continue to innovate – often out of necessity to advance new programs and creative approaches to meet the needs of their constituents. The foundation is eager to support these efforts with CEG 2.0.”

Established in 1954, the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles manages charitable assets of $1.5 billion entrusted to it by 1,400 families. For information, visit jewishfoundationla.org.